Treatments target saltmarsh mosquitoes
Date published: 7 January 2016
Mosquito controls have been stepped up across Townsville after rainfall over the Christmas period resulted in significant hatchings.
Mosquito eggs have remained dormant in the saltmarsh areas due to the extensively dry conditions and have now hatched in huge numbers.
Aerial treatments were conducted on Boxing Day and again on New Year’s Eve, targeting the larger saltmarsh wetlands.
Ground mosquito treatments in drains and residential areas are continuing as more mosquito larvae hatch.
Healthy and Safe City Committee chair Cr Gary Eddiehausen said council staff had been monitoring the situation closely.
"Treatments do not affect the adult mosquitoes already flying around but every attempt will be made to prevent more mosquitoes emerging," Cr Eddiehausen said.
"There are multiple small isolated pockets of coastal mosquito breeding areas that seem to now be the main cause for mosquito numbers.
"As these adult mosquitos disperse from the saltmarsh wetlands, we’ll see an increase in mosquito activity across the Townsville region in coming days.
"We recommend residents take the usual precautions, including lighting mosquito coils, applying mosquito repellent and wearing protective clothing when outdoors, particularly at dawn and at dusk."
Cr Eddiehausen said the city was now in the mosquito season so mosquito activity levels would fluctuate until around April.
He said king tides on January 9 until January 13 may trigger more mosquito activity.
